Bears RB Jordan Howard sustains corneal injury

Chicago Bears running back Jordan Howard will not travel with the team for their preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals on Saturday due to an eye injury.

Howard sustained a corneal abrasion during a walkthrough practice on Friday, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The injury is considered minor.

A Pro Bowl selection as a rookie in 2016, Howard finished second in the NFL in rushing last season, racking up 1,313 yards and 6 touchdowns on the ground, and an additional 298 yards and 1 touchdown through the air.

What Howard’s injury means for the Bears

It doesn’t sound as though Howard’s injury is serious at all, and if this were a regular season game, he would likely play.

After an explosive rookie season in which he averaged 5.2 yards per carry, Howard probably doesn’t need the work, anyway. Regardless, the 22-year-old could see action in the third preseason contest, and no doubt on tract to play in season opener against the Atlanta Falcons on September 10.

Even if tests find Howard’s vision is seriously impaired, he’s likely still better than half the backs in the league, anyway. That’s good news for the Bears, who are still solid at one position at least heading into 2017.